What virus protection program do you recommend for a home computer with pretty careful users?

Question

The McAfee program that was installed on my new computer (XP) had a trial period that is now over. We do not open suspicious emails or click on any links that don't seem right, but we get LOTS of "cute" forwards from well-meaning friends. I appreciate your opinion.

Answer 1

Heres what I use and there all FREE.
(do not run 2 anti-virus at the same time as they will cause problems. all the following are safe to run together.)
PS: I had a cousin that would send so many "CUTE" viruses that the rest of us relatives finally just deleated her e-mail before even reading them. She finally got the hint! That and the fact I told her next time I fix her machine I charge her what I charge my customers. ( I fixed it dozens of times from Malware for free.)

I use all of the following Free software with Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer with MSN toolbar and the pop-up blocker turned on and have never had a single problem with my computer sense Microsoft came out with SP2. (knock on wood.) (And be sure to keep Windows and the following software Updated)


The best Anti-virus is: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. (www.grisoft.com)

The Best Spyware defense is: SpyBot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)<--English version

AND: AdAware SE (www.lavasoft.com)
AND Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.info/kb/)
The best Firewall besides the one that comes with Windows is: Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/co... or just (www.zonelabs.com) and select the FREE version.

These are all FREE and are all that are required. There is no reason to pay for this kind of software, except to give a donation to the writers if you can.
ALL the above programs are recommended and should be run on a regular basis. With some the free versions they must be run manually.

The best way to avoid getting any Malware (virus, Trojan's, spyware, etc) is to practice safe computing. Microsoft and many others have countless articles on the subject of safe computing. (something I think should be taught in schools)

for further information on computer safety.
NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL -> http://www.ncpc.org/media/Internet_Safety.php

http://all.net/journal/50/cybercop.html
And here...
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/zombies_and_botnets.mspx

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

If you are willing to pay about 50 Dollars the best is Zone Alarm internet security suite.On the other hand if you want a free Anti virus a very good is the Avast from AVG.

Answer 4

Norton Internet Security 2005

If you can't buy a good protection package at least use the Microsoft builtin FireWall. It'l keep trash out but not prevent you from sending virus files. Get Norton!

Answer 5

AVG Free Edition. You can get a download.com. Been using for three years without a problem. Also be sure to add Microsoft Defender from microsoft.com to protect against spyware programs.

Answer 6

mcafee is the best option u have, u will have to shell out a bit of cash but its worth it. norton's very heavy. avg can also do & its free.

Answer 7

AVG free edition has a scan email option

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

Answer 8

norton 2003 or 4 or nod32 2006 has been hack !

Answer 9

use ESCAN for windows .its very good and powerful. scan computer regularly and keep changing antivirus .i.e use AVG for a month then ESCAN . and so on . don't download any forward watch it on the net itself

Answer 10

Norton Anti-Virus has never failled me, so give it a go.

Cheers Schuan